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kayaking in the lake and observing a falcon hunting down a white heron. It could have been a National Geographic film, but none of us could stop watching to even think about a camera.
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Below is a selection of our 'special interest' travel adventure tours:
- South Island Nature Tours: Birding, Eco Trips & Nature
Geographically isolated from other land masses for at least 80 million years when it split from the ancient super-continent of Gondwanaland, New Zealand's flora and fauna have developed some species that are not found anywhere else. Ancient plant and animal species such as primitive pines, ferns, flowers, birds and reptiles evolved in isolation. Also, being one of the few sizeable land masses near the Southern Ocean the coast gets visitors not often seen elsewhere. It is, perhaps, because of this that many New Zealanders have a keen interest in conservation, birding and nature. As well as visiting some special places on the South Island to see rare sights we will also meet enthusiasts. Examples of places to visit could include: Kaikoura (whales, seals and dolphins, marine birds), Akaroa (Hector's Dolphin - the world's smallest), Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass (rare plant and bird species), Okarito lagoon (wetlands, white heron, godwits, spoonbills), Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki (temperate rainforest, huge trees, ferns, vines, Fiordland Crested Penguin), Milford Sound Underwater Observatory (Black Coral), Otago Peninsula (Albatross, Yellow Eyed Penguin, Dolphins) and Stewart Island. Examples of places to visit on a South Island nature tour include:
- Kaikoura (whales, seals and dolphins, marine birds)
- Akaroa (Hector's dolphin - the world's smallest)
- Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass (rare plant and bird species)
- Okarito lagoon (wetlands, white heron, godwits, spoonbills)
- Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki (temperate rainforest, huge trees, ferns, vines, Fiordland crested penguin)
- Milford Sound Underwater Observatory (black coral)
- Otago Peninsula (albatross, yellow-eyed penguin, dolphins)
- Stewart Island.
- Winery Tours for Food and Wine Lovers
In recent years New Zealand has started to use the fine food it has been producing and sending abroad for home consumption. With some of the best meat, fish, vegetables, fruit and dairy products and wine in the world now available, it is hardly surprising that New Zealand has some excellent chefs in the hospitality trade and great cooks in the home. Extracting the flavour of great tasting food is the key to Kiwi cuisine. On our Winery Tours for Food and Wine Lovers we take you to tastings, stay at lodges which serve great food and enjoy lunching and dining at some of our favourite restaurants and eateries on the South Island. Add to these, visits to a few choice wineries, perhaps a brewery and this becomes a gastronomic delight for those who would like a 'taste of New Zealand'.
- South Island Adventure Tours for Energetics (who want lots of physical activity)
Although Queenstown is known as the 'Adventure Capital of the World' it certainly does not have the preserve on all the soft and hard core adventure activities on the South Island. In fact, many of the best activities are away from the Queenstown area. Hiking/tramping, horse trekking, mountain and quad biking, 4 wheel drive, jet boating, white water rafting and kayaking are available throughout the South Island taking you to some spectacular places. After you have selected the activities (see below for those available) and the areas you would like to visit we put together a balanced itinerary to keep those adrenalin levels high! Evenings are spent relaxing, recovering and refuelling in preparation for the following day.
- Golfing Tours for Players and Partners (where some play and some don't!)
The South Island boasts numerous fine golf courses. Many are located where there are also activities and experiences for 'golf widows or widowers'. Having done 'their own thing' during the day, partners can get together later to enjoy each other's company and tell tales of the day's events and adventures. Places and areas where this type of golfing tour works especially well include:
- Blenheim (Marlborough Sounds,wine)
- Nelson (arts and crafts, wine and Abel Tasman National Park)
- Kaikoura (whale watching, Maori tour)
- Terrace Downs (horse trekking, health and beauty spa, ballooning)
- Christchurch (Akaroa visit and harbour cruise or farm tour, Arthur's Pass National Park and TranzAlpine train)
- Arrowtown/Queenstown (wine, scenic cruise, adventure activities, shopping)
- Te Anau (Milford or Doubtful Sound tour and cruise)
- Dunedin (peninsula tour, Larnach Castle).
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